Dynamic Initiatives and Educational Milestones
The American Center, located within the American Embassy in Colombo, bustled with activity during the convergence of International Education Week and Global Entrepreneurship Week. The week was underlined with excitement, highlighted by a packed schedule that included the arrival of Rafik Mansour, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Policy, at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The pinnacle and certificate awards ceremony of ‘CraftQuest - A Game Developer’s Journey’ and ‘Makerspace - An Engineering Course focusing on Design Thinking and Innovative Product Development’ took center stage.
EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS
Youth leaders between 18 and 27 years who participated in the threemonth programmes showcased their games and inventions.
Hariyalni, currently pursuing her degree at the American National College of Colombo, explained that the courses on offer provide a unique opportunity, allowing participants to pursue areas of passion outside their formal undergraduate studies. Having successfully completed the ‘Makerspace’ course, she described the opportunity as a life-changing experience. “Our trainer, Mr. Ranjan Kulathunga, is extremely supportive and helps us learn new technology, and also pushes our limits.”, she said.
She displayed a selection of her innovations created during the three-month period, including a model Tesla coil that generated adequate electricity to light a bulb, a solar-powered blind man’s stick with sensors indicating object proximity and water levels, and a 3D printed model space shuttle. “I am currently working towards building a studentbased satellite model,” she stated.
Similarly, the students of ‘CraftQuest’ showcased the games they had developed under the tutelage of Janitha Alendra Arachchige.
He explained that the students are taught coding to develop games, starting with the coding language of Python, before venturing into others. He added that on completing the beginner-level course, participants’ CVs are developed, and he assists them in seeking internships or part-time jobs.
COMMITTED TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
DAS Mansour stated that the programmes are an example of the work conducted through the American spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Matara, and the recently opened space in Batticaloa.
“The spaces serve as cultural centers where people can read, use the internet, and participate in programmes such as Makerspace, CraftQuest, and other courses that nurture STEAM, entrepreneurship, and English. Education in English language programmes is a focal point through American Centers and Education USA, available across the nation at different proficiency levels. “English is more than a language. It is an economic enabler,” he stated.
He mentioned that the American Center is part of a global network of over 700 American spaces throughout the world. Other initiatives include the programmes offered by the Fulbright Commission and the English Access Microscholarship Program, which currently has centers in five parts of the country.
THE TOP DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The Open Doors report, the definitive annual survey produced by the Institute of International Education (IIE) of foreign students and scholars in the United States and of U.S. students studying abroad, released on November 13, 2023, during International Education Week, states that America remains the top destination for international students, with more than one million international students currently in the country. Out of this, more than half are Asian students. Currently, over 3000 Sri Lankan students are in America, marking a 6% increase.
EducationUSA facilitated through the Fulbright Commission in Sri Lanka, is a U.S. Department of State network that promotes U.S. higher education worldwide by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States.
DAS Mansour explained that navigating the numerous options available for higher education is a complicated process. Similarly, students could have questions regarding the visa or even life in America. “EducationUSA is the office guide to understand education in America.”
CREATING A LIFELONG NETWORK
“The Indo-Pacific region is important to us, and the relationship is valued,” DAS Mansour stated. He explained that the bilateral agreement between the countries will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. “The Fulbright commission will also be celebrating its 70th anniversary.”
DAS Mansour emphasised the importance of the relationships built and the networks enjoyed by the students and alumni. “Connections and networks hold immense importance. While governments change, the nature of personto-person interactions remains. Engagement in these programmes places students in a stronger position to pursue education and life goals. They also become part of an alumni network exceeding 1.8 million individuals.”
As we learned about the host of opportunities offered by the American Spaces network in Sri Lanka, we realised that this is a gold mine for Sri Lankan youth to tap into, in order to broaden their horizons and connect with valuable learnings offered by the U.S.A .